Gene expressing vpt protein and vectors expressing this protein

Abstract

Viral protein T from Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) is disclosed. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 17 kD and is produced by the vpt gene of HIV-1. This protein is antigenic. Vectors capable of expressing the vpt protein are also described.

We claim: 
     
       1. A DNA segment containing a functional vpt gene but not the entire HIV genome, wherein the DNA segment will not express functional tat protein having the ability to trans-activate. 
     
     
       2. A vector containing: (a) a nucleotide segment containing a sufficient number of nucleotides corresponding to a region extending from the tat initiation codon and extending through the T open reading frame of the HIV genome, to express viral protein T, wherein the T open reading frame is in the same reading frame as the tat initiation codon wherein the vector will not express functional tat protein having the ability to trans-activate, and wherein the vector does not contain the entire HIV genome; and   (b) a protomer upstream of the nucleotide segment.   
     
     
       3. The vector of claim 2, wherein the nucleotide segment is DNA. 
     
     
       4. The vector of claim 2, wherein the nucleotide segment is RNA. 
     
     
       5. The vector of claim 3, wherein the promoter is a viral promoter and the vector also contains an enhancer and polyadenylation sequences. 
     
     
       6. The vector of claim 2 wherein the HIV genome is HIV-1. 
     
     
       7. A cell line transformed by the vector of claim 2.